Emily Johnson
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat various illnesses. They are also used in Japan and China to treat lung diseases and are sometimes given alongside cancer treatment. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds, which can have powerful effects on the body. However, it is important to note that medicinal mushrooms can interfere with certain medications. For example, they may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. They can also interact with immunosuppressants, antidiabetic drugs, and antidepressants. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking medicinal mushrooms, especially if you are already on medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal Mushrooms | Reishi, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, Maitake |
| Uses | Boosting the immune system, promoting health, anti-cancer treatments, cognitive and neurological benefits |
| Interference/ Interaction with medications | Anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, immunosuppressants, antidiabetic medications, antidepressants, anxiolytic or sleeping medications |
| Side effects | Allergic reaction, dryness, increased risk of bleeding, low blood pressure, interference with cancer treatment |
| Precautions | Consult a healthcare professional, do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding, choose high-quality supplements, monitor blood sugar levels |
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What You'll Learn
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been used for hundreds of years, primarily in Asian countries, for the treatment of infections. They have more recently been used to treat pulmonary diseases and cancer. Reishi mushrooms are thought to have effects on the immune system and are used for Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, cold sores, and many other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, you should talk to your doctor before taking reishi mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms may slow blood clotting. Taking reishi mushrooms along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Research has shown that reishi mushrooms have an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Selected polysaccharides isolated from mushrooms have been shown to possess anticoagulation and antiplatelet activities. For example, an extract of Hericium erinaceus was found to selectively impede collagen signaling from GPIIb/Ia.
If you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking reishi mushrooms to ensure that there are no potential interactions or side effects.
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Immunosuppressants
Medicinal mushrooms are often used to stimulate the immune system. This can be counterproductive if you are already taking immunosuppressants, for example, after an organ transplant or to treat an autoimmune disease. The stimulating effect of mushrooms on the immune system could potentially interfere with the action of immunosuppressants. As a result, this would compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.
Lion's mane is one such medicinal mushroom that may interfere with immunosuppressants. It may have mild neuroactive effects that could influence the central nervous system. While there is no direct evidence that lion's mane interferes with ADHD medications, individuals with ADHD should be cautious. This is because stimulant medications affect neurotransmitter levels, and while lion's mane is not a stimulant, it may influence cognitive function or neurotransmitter modulation. Combining it with ADHD medications might enhance or interfere with the medication's effectiveness.
Reishi mushrooms may also interfere with immunosuppressants. Reishi can enhance immune response and increase plasma antioxidant capacity. Theoretically, it may interact with chemotherapeutic agents that rely on free radicals. Reishi extracts may also prolong INR, PT, and APTT. Additionally, reishi mushroom spore powder was found to elevate the level of the serum tumour marker CA72-4, which may interfere with cancer treatment.
Some medicinal mushrooms can affect liver enzymes responsible for the metabolism of certain drugs, potentially increasing or decreasing the effectiveness of these medications. For example, certain mushrooms can inhibit or stimulate the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, a group of enzymes important in the metabolism of many drugs. This interaction may change the concentration of the medicine in the blood and thus affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining medicinal mushrooms with immunosuppressants, as adjustment of the medication dose may be necessary.
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Antidiabetic drugs
Mushrooms have been used as a primary source of medicine since ancient times due to their bioactive compounds. They are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic. The B vitamins and polysaccharides in mushrooms may aid in the management and prevention of diabetes and its complications. Research in animals with type 2 diabetes shows that polysaccharides may lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, and reduce pancreatic tissue damage. The soluble fiber beta-glucan, a type of polysaccharide found in mushrooms, slows digestion and delays sugar absorption, controlling blood sugar levels after meals.
White button mushrooms, in particular, have been found to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic rats. A study conducted by researchers from Pennsylvania State University found that white button mushrooms could modify the gut microbiota, leading to improved glucose regulation in mice. The findings suggest that white button mushrooms could be used in the future to manage diabetes due to their role in glucogenesis.
Additionally, medicinal mushrooms have been recognised as potential hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic agents. Animal studies have provided conclusive evidence of their therapeutic properties, and more controlled human trials are needed, especially for long-term use. While medicinal mushrooms show promise in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming them as a replacement for prescribed antidiabetic medications.
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Antidepressants
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in some mushrooms, has been the subject of increasing scientific study due to its potential to significantly impact mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for people with medication-resistant depression and anxiety. However, the interaction between psilocybin and antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), remains an area of active research.
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that the use of certain antidepressants, specifically SSRIs and SNRIs, may weaken the acute subjective effects of psilocybin in some individuals. This dampening effect on psilocybin can last for a significant period, even after stopping the antidepressant medication. The study also found that this effect was observed in only about half of the participants. Another major caveat is that lower-than-expected drug effects may not necessarily translate to lower therapeutic value.
Psilocybin works by affecting serotonin and dopamine levels but carries risks when combined with other medications. A case study highlights the danger of serotonin toxicity when psilocybin is used alongside antidepressants, which can lead to potentially life-threatening symptoms. Doctors discovered that a patient who had recreationally used psilocybin on top of her medication cocktail, which included antidepressants, presented with symptoms of serotonin toxicity, including hypertension and tachycardia. The patient was admitted to the hospital for medical management and supportive care, and her symptoms resolved after all medications except lorazepam were discontinued.
It is important to note that the patient in the case study had previously tolerated a similar medication regimen without suffering any side effects, suggesting that the addition of psilocybin may have heightened her serotonin toxicity risk. While most researchers consider psilocybin generally safe when used on its own, using it with other medications can pose risks. Therefore, it is essential to discuss any ongoing medication use with a healthcare provider before using psilocybin.
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Diuretics
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, particularly in Asia, and are now gaining popularity in the Western world. They are rich in antioxidants, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds, which can have powerful effects on the human body. However, their use alongside conventional drug treatments raises important questions about potential interactions.
Some medicinal mushrooms have diuretic properties, which can increase the effects of prescribed diuretic medications. For example, Polyporus, a type of mushroom, has been shown to have a powerful diuretic action, aiding in the elimination of water retention and the swelling of limbs. It encourages the drainage of superfluous fluids, which can accumulate and cause swollen and painful legs and ankles. By combining medicinal mushrooms with diuretic medications, there is a risk of amplifying the intended effects of the medication, which could lead to dehydration and other potential side effects.
Additionally, certain mushrooms can influence the liver enzymes responsible for the metabolism of drugs. This interaction can change the concentration of the medicine in the blood, thereby affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example, mushrooms like Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) have been shown to have liver-protective properties, which could potentially interfere with the action of certain medications, particularly those that are metabolized by the liver.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining medicinal mushrooms with any conventional drug treatments, as adjustments to medication dosages may be necessary to ensure safety and maximize the benefits of both substances.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, medicinal mushrooms such as Lion's Mane and Reishi can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications.
Yes, because of their immunostimulatory activity, medicinal mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Reishi can interfere with the action of immunosuppressants, reducing their efficacy.
Medicinal mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Maitake can lower blood sugar levels, so they may interfere with antidiabetic medications. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended if considering mushroom extracts.
There is no comprehensive research on the interactions between medicinal mushrooms and antidepressants, but Lion's Mane mushrooms may affect the nervous system due to their neuroprotective properties. Consult a healthcare professional before combining them.
Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to interfere with cytochrome p450 enzymes, which may affect the levels of substrate drugs metabolized by these enzymes. They can also reduce the efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs used in cancer treatment. More well-designed trials are needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of mushrooms in cancer treatment.
